Porter comments on alleged defrauding of Indiana’s Medicaid Program

Today (Sept. 19), a federal lawsuit accused insurance companies and hospitals of defrauding Indiana’s Medicaid program. The alleged fraud, related to billing and claims practices, resulted in overpayments of up to $700 million. This funding could have prevented the $1 billion Medicaid shortfall that led to devastating cuts for aged and disabled Hoosiers.

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Since House Democrats learned about the Medicaid shortfall last December, we’ve been asking for answers. We need answers because each dollar of that shortfall represents a life-saving service for our most vulnerable Hoosiers. At the last meeting of the Medicaid Oversight Committee, I pushed the Family and Social Services Administration for answers and transparency. My colleagues across the aisle have continuously shifted the blame to various Medicaid waivers and programs. This lawsuit tells a different story. 

“Our state’s Medicaid program has allegedly been defrauded of $700 million by insurance companies and hospitals. It’s disappointing, frustrating and downright diabolical. Healthcare costs are one of the biggest stressors Hoosiers are facing. Many Hoosiers have pinched pennies to afford their prescriptions or appointments. People have asked loved ones to drive them to the hospital since they can’t afford an ambulance. Millions of Hoosiers fear a family member getting sick since it means hospital bills and insurance payments. 

“I’m outraged that alleged fraud has exacerbated stressful healthcare costs. It’s clear the growth of social programs and waivers is not the real issue. We have to stop blaming Hoosiers who need state support.”